Physical Description

Dendroctonus ponderosae is black and cylindrical and, on average, 5 mm long. The gradual curve of the hind wing of the adult D. ponderosae distinguishes it from other bark beetles that normally have sharp spines along the hind wing. ("Mountain pine beetle", 2009; Leatherman, Mehall, and Aguayo, 2007)

Mountain pine beetle eggs are normally white, while the larvae typically have white bodies and brown heads. The larvae are also legless, as they remain under the bark of the Pinus trees for the duration of their development and have no need for legs. ("Mountain pine beetle", 2009)